INSPECTION CHECKLIST FOR SCAFFOLDING

Yes No Action (if no)

1. Is the scaffold being erected under the direction of a
competent person?
2. Is the footing sound and rigid – not set on soft ground,
frozen ground (that could melt), or resting on blocks?
3. Has the erection site been evaluated for hazards such as
earth fills, ditches, debris, underground electric wires,
unguarded openings, or conditions created by other
trades?
4. Are wheels / castors locked?
5. Is the scaffold able to hold four times its maximum
intended load?
6. Are guard rails and toeb0oards in place on all open sides?
7. Is the platform complete front to back and side to side
(fully planked or decked, with no gaps greater than 1
inch)?
8. Is the lumber free of cracks, splits, knots, or damage?
9. Is the scaffold level?
10. Have all compounds been inspected for defects such as
broken welds, corroded members, and missing locks, bent
or dented tubes?
11. Are all braces bearer, and clamps secured all sections
pinned or appropriately secured?
12. Is there a safe way to get on and off the scaffold, such as
a ladder (without climbing on crossbraces)?
13. Is the front of the scaffold within 14 inches of the work?
14. Does the scaffold meet electrical safety clearance
distances?
15. Is the scaffold under 125 feet in height?
16. Is the “X” bracing installed on the ends of the scaffold and
every third set of post horizontally and every fourth vertical
runner?
17. Are severe weather provisions in place i.e. during high
winds, rain, snow, or bad weather?
18. Have all planks been properly secured to the scaffold
structure to prevent them blowing off in the event of high
winds?
19. Where persons work under scaffold, is a ½ inch mesh
screen provided between toeboard and guardrail or has
the area below the scaffold been cordoned off?
Inspection Checklist for Scaffolding
20. Are tag lines available for items to be loaded on to
scaffold?
21. When employees are working on suspended scaffolds, are
lifelines firmly anchored to an overhead structure and not
to the scaffold?
22. Is the scaffold over 10 feet high, (if yes) is personal fall
protection available, or are guardrails in place?
23. Are guardrails 38 inches high?
24. Are toeboards in place and at least 4 inches high?
25. Are midrails or equivalent in place?
26. Does the scaffold have a height to base ratio of at least
4:1?

Job Competent Person: ____________________________________

Inspected by: ____________________________________________

Signature: __________________________ Date: ______________

Inspection Checklist for Scaffolding